Inflamed lymph node in the neck: possible causes and what is the danger

To understand why the lymph nodes in the neck can increase, you must first understand what function they perform. So, lymph nodes are a collection of lymphatic vessels. They contain lymph – it is a liquid, the main part of which is lymphocytes. They are responsible for the body's immunity, prevent the penetration of infections, and also stop the reproduction of pathological cells of the body itself. Phagocytes and antibodies are produced in the lymph nodes.

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Lymph nodes are located throughout the body, but they are most densely concentrated in the neck, groin and armpits. The largest of them can be felt – they have a rounded shape, slightly rolled. When pressing, you should not feel any pain. Her appearance – one of the warning signs.

Read also: What a person's armpits can say about health: 4 alarms

Inflamed lymph nodes become painful, enlarge, and may be hard to the touch. At the same time, on one side of the neck they can be normal, and on the other – enlarged. First of all, it is worth noting those risk groups that most often suffer from problems with the lymphatic system:

• immunocompromised people;

• chronic alcoholics;

• prone to allergies;

• people with thyroid disease.

At the same time, inflammation of the lymph nodes is often – it is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of other problems. An increase in size indicates an increased production of lymphocytes necessary to fight infection.

Enlarged lymph nodes can be in the following cases:

• diseases of the upper respiratory tract – sinusitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis;
• inflammation of the middle ear;

• oral infections;

• skin infections – furunculosis, suppuration and wounds, dermatitis;

• tuberculosis, gonorrhea, syphilis – the lymph nodes may be painful;

• autoimmune diseases – gout, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus and others;

• AIDS or the presence of HIV in the body;

• infectious mononucleosis;

• tumors;

x throat diseases.

As you can see, swollen lymph nodes in the neck can be one of the symptoms of various diseases. And you need to see a doctor for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment. Especially if the inflammation lasts a long time or repeats repeatedly.

A lymph node in the neck has become inflamed: when should you immediately consult a doctor
If the cause of the increase in the nodes on the neck was an infection, then over time they will return to normal during the treatment of the disease. That is, in this case, changing the size of – it is a natural reaction of the body. However,
you need to see a doctor if:1. The nodes are inflamed, but there is no obvious cause (symptoms of illness or infection).

4. At the same time, the person suffers from night sweats, fever, and loses weight dramatically.5. There is a sore throat and difficulty in swallowing.




In this case, you should immediately
seek a doctor, undergo a medical examination, take blood tests, undergo an X-ray or tomography.
If necessary, the doctor may also prescribe
a biopsy of the lymph node.
Therefore, if a lymph node in the neck is inflamed, it is important to analyze your condition, note even minor changes – and contact a specialist. In any case, such a reaction of the body indicates that it is fighting the disease and requires help in the treatment.


Read also: Lymphadenopathy and lymphadenitis: causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes

note even minor changes – and contact a specialist. In any case, such a reaction of the body indicates that it is fighting the disease and requires help in the treatment. Read also:
Lymphadenopathy and lymphadenitis: causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes
note even minor changes – and contact a specialist. In any case, such a reaction of the body indicates that it is fighting the disease and requires help in the treatment.